Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - January 15, 1984
By Richard C. Tuttle
Vigo County Historical Society

Vicksburg newspaper printed on wallpaper during Civil War

The one-page The Daily Citizen of July 2, 1863 of Vicksburg, Miss., is unique in the newspaper business.

It was printed on wallpaper.

Six issues of the paper were printed on wallpaper during the siege of Vicksburg, after supplies of newsprint were exhausted.

Wallpaper editions were printed June 16,18,20,27,30 and July 2, 1863. The copies are now very rare. The Ohio Historical Society has three issues of July 2. The Historical Society of the Wabash Valley has one.

The newspapers were published from type left standing in the newspaper office after Union forces entered Vicksburg.

One paragraph, at the lower right, was added. It reported that General Grant had dined in Vicksburg, bringing his own food. The Daily Citizen reported it would never again urge Southern warriors to eat “fricasseed kitten or mule meat.” The item also states this would be the last edition printed on wallpaper.

The various paragraphs report activity of the Union and Southern forces during the previous week, a few who were wounded, those killed, events in Washington, including the demise of “The National Intelligencer,” a Washington newspaper.

In the report on General Robert E. Lee’s activities in Virginia, it states in part”...defeating Hooker’s right wing and capturing 6,000 of his men and supplies, and striking terror to the hearts of all Yankees. Like the Scottish chieftain’s braves, Lee’s men are springing from moor and brake, crag and dale, with flashing steel and sturdy arm, ready to do or die in the great cause of national independence, right and honor.

The treasured newspaper was presented to the museum by Harry L. Burnett, formerly of 2503 Cruft St., whose grandfather, William T. Burnett, was with General Sherman on the march to the sea. The newspaper was obtained during the Union army’s stay in the South.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley , 1411 S. Sixth St. will be open tomorrow after being closed for housecleaning. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.